Sunday, July 6, 2014

I was standing in the kitchen (again) watching the great gusts of yesterday blow the trees about in the backyard when I saw something fall from the silver maple. Walking out to investigate, I discovered this empty nest. It is so delicate that it likely would not have survived being sniffed by the dog--or hopped on by one of the many resident bunnies. I love how the inside grasses are spiraled around. The middle section is woven, and the outside is a most wonderful array of twigs. What it would be to be able to sculpt like the birds!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

This feather is stuck in a small vase in the kitchen on a shelf above the sink. I am in the kitchen numerous times each day and never give it a second glance. Perhaps because it is summer and I have a different kind of time to notice things, or maybe because with a kitchen renovation project on the horizon I am more tuned in to the kitchen, today, I tuned in. And, I found a perfect heart on the end of that feather. When I was growing up I often heard the expression: 'Pretty is as pretty does'--this was only said at times when my prettiness was quite in question. Today, I am reframing that just slightly to 'Beauty is as beauty sees'. My mind is quick to assign labels to the objects in my line of sight--sink, vase, feather, kitchen, window. I want to practice seeing beyond the label to what is really present to be seen. For it is in those moments that a heart at the end of a feather is truly visible. Who knows where my eyes might take me if I can let go the labels and trust my vision.

Monday, June 30, 2014

In mindfulness practice there is a concept called 'beginner's mind'. The premise is that when the mind is striving to be present in the given moment, there is much that creeps in to distract. Beginner's mind offers an opportunity to start fresh with the next breath--the next moment. I find myself today starting anew on these pages--beginning again in this season of moments. A sunrise is an oft used metaphor for new beginnings. Last week I had the opportunity to experience this beautiful sunrise over Harris Creek near St. Michael's Maryland. While they often occur too early for my taste, there is a humble magnificence that serves to remind me that no matter what was happening in the last moment, I can choose in this one to be(gin) again.

Monday, March 17, 2014

I find that I am a bit at loose ends today as the last letter of the alphabet was posted yesterday. I am considering the snow, which has once again covered the ground, as a metaphor for the blank canvas that is today. May spring soon push forth!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A few months ago I heard about a photographer who takes pictures of the ‘ordinary’ in her life in an attempt to capture those very mundane moments and objects that illuminate the essence of a particular life in a particular time. A couple of Sundays ago, an alphabet of ordinary items found in my home started to whisper their way into being. I have long been enamored of the alphabet--perhaps because I teach young children, perhaps because words have been central to my journey, and to me, letters are building blocks--seeds for expression and connection. And so, each day for the next 26, I will listen for the whisperings of these objects I take for granted within these walls to hear what they have to say about my life.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Here is a preview of the pieces that I am working to upload to my etsy site. The poppy bowl was featured before the final firing in the entry before this one. The colors are so much more vibrant! The etsy site will feature additional photographs of each piece, as well as measurements and additional information.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Yesterday's snow has given way to blue skies and freezing temperatures. Typically, the temperatures would be no problem for me on a 'snow day' tucked inside my studio room--but, the heat in the house is broken. We have been without heat for more than twenty-four hours. So, with my 'recess' hat, down vest, and several pairs of socks on I find myself painting. Painting poppies! The warm reds and oranges along with the act of painting serve as a beautiful distraction from the chilly air. As I was finishing up with my poppies I recalled that poppies sometimes signify 'remembrance'--and I found that today I wish to remember all those for whom a lack of heat is a daily reality. I am grateful for the reminder.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

What better way to spend an icy rainy day than knitting a brightly colored scarf to combat the pervasive gray that is outside my window! It is fun to watch the colors blend and change. Getting anything else done is a bit challenging, however, as I keep thinking I'll put it away in one more section.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

The rocks pictured in the banner at the top of the blog and the etsy site are from the shores of Lake Superior where I have been fortunate to find myself for a week during each of the past many summers. One of my absolute favorite activities is to sit on the beach with a pitcher of water and immerse myself in the rocks. Sifting, dipping, turning them in my hands like so many jewels; they are like brightly colored snowflakes, no two exactly the same. Quite a few have been gathered to my space here in Baltimore, and they bring with them inspiration and a literal touchstone to a spot of beauty.